Colin Wilson: Existentialism Meets the Occult with Gary Lachman

SUMMARY

In a comprehensive interview, Gary Lachman discusses the life and influence of British writer Colin Wilson, known for blending existentialism with occult themes. Highlighting Wilson's literary journey and philosophical evolution, Lachman provides insights into Wilson's impact on both popular and intellectual circles.

MAIN POINTS

• Gary Lachman discusses his personal connection to Colin Wilson and his works, particularly 'The Occult'. [1:10]
• Wilson's influence on Lachman's writing career is explored, alongside stories of their personal interactions. [2:14]
• Wilson's early success with 'The Outsider' and his position as a prolific author in English literature are examined. [8:23]
• The philosophical themes explored in Wilson's 'The Outsider', including existentialism and the quest for meaning, are analyzed. [14:27]
• Wilson's contributions to existentialist thought and his criticism of figures like Sartre and Camus are detailed. [21:03]
• Wilson's unique integration of existentialism with esoteric and occult ideas is discussed. [24:08]
• Jeffrey Mishlove and Gary Lachman discuss the 'robot' concept in Wilson's philosophy, regarding automatic behavior in humans. [31:55]
• The relationship between Colin Wilson and psychologist Abraham Maslow, focusing on the concept of peak experiences, is highlighted. [37:05]
• Wilson's exploration of consciousness and the brain, including influences from phenomenology and the work of Julian Jaynes, is elaborated. [45:01]
• Wilson's later work on mapping higher states of consciousness and his exploration of existential and paranormal experiences are explored. [56:50]
• Wilson's examination of human sexuality and its connection to consciousness and imagination is discussed. [1:15:44]
• Gary Lachman reflects on Wilson's legacy and influence on modern philosophical thought. [1:20:36]

DETAILED ANALYSIS

Gary Lachman, a prolific author himself, delves deep into the rich literary and philosophical contributions of Colin Wilson, a British writer who infused existentialist philosophy with elements of the occult. The discussion, hosted by Jeffrey Mishlove, traces Wilson's journey from his groundbreaking work, 'The Outsider', which launched him to fame in 1956, to his later profound explorations of consciousness and human potential.

Colin Wilson's early success was marked by his ability to articulate the existential angst of the 'Outsiders', individuals who felt disconnected from the material comforts of society due to a deeper spiritual quest. Lachman emphasizes that Wilson's personal experiences and challenges significantly influenced his philosophical outlook, with existential themes resonating throughout his vast body of work. Despite facing harsh criticism from the press, Wilson persevered, continuing to write over 100 books, many of which explored the intersection of existential thought and esoteric traditions.

A notable aspect of Wilson's work is his criticism of mainstream existentialists like Sartre and Camus. Unlike them, Wilson believed in the potential for transcendent meaning and the existence of higher states of consciousness. His engagement with the works of Edmund Husserl and phenomenology allowed him to explore these concepts further, suggesting that perception is an intentional act that can be harnessed to access deeper realities.

Lachman also highlights Wilson's interest in the 'robot' concept, a metaphor for the automatic behaviors that dominate human life. Wilson posited that by understanding and controlling this 'robot', individuals could unlock higher levels of awareness and meaning. This idea is closely linked to Wilson's relationship with psychologist Abraham Maslow, particularly regarding 'peak experiences' — spontaneous moments of intense clarity and joy that reveal life's inherent meaning.

In his later years, Wilson became increasingly interested in the neurological underpinnings of these experiences, diving into theories concerning brain hemispheres and the bicameral mind, as proposed by Julian Jaynes. His work suggested that these higher states of consciousness could be systematically accessed and integrated into daily life, offering a more profound understanding of the human potential.

Wilson's exploration of human sexuality, as discussed by Lachman, further illustrates his belief in the power of imagination and consciousness. He considered sexuality a potent force for psychological and spiritual transformation, distinct from mere physical desire.

As Lachman concludes, Colin Wilson remains a seminal figure in 20th-century thought, offering insights that continue to resonate with readers and thinkers. His ability to synthesize existential inquiry with mystical and esoteric traditions presents a unique framework for exploring the mysteries of consciousness and existence.

LINKS

• Short video on How to Get the Most From New Thinking Allowed
• Complete, updated list with links to all videos on New Thinking Allowed
• New Thinking Allowed Foundation website
• New Thinking Allowed Audio Podcast on iTunes
• Gary Lachman, Beyond the Robot: The Life and Work of Colin Wilson

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